AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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PK Aviation can help ensure you remain compliant with the mandatory requirements of Airworthiness Directives. Listed below are some common ADs that PK Aviation regularly perform, their link to the CASA Website and a brief explanation of what each require. On this page we disect the meaning of the following ADs; RADIO COMMUNICATION and NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT INSTRUMENTS RADIO COMMUNICATION and NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT AD/RAD/47 (Amendment 1) APPLICABILITY - This AD is applicable to any transponder fitted to an aircraft. REQUIREMENT - You, as the aircraft owner, are required to test your transponder system to a published standard. COMPLIANCE - The AD requires that most aircraft systems be tested every 24 Months. FAQ ABOUT THIS AD What is meant by the "System"? In most aircraft, the major components of the transponder "System" comprises of the transponder itself, the coax cable leading to and including the antenna. When the AD is performed, all these components are tested. What happens if the system fails the test? If your transponder system fails the test, the faulty component of the system needs to be either repaired or replaced. The transponder itself may be OK. A fault may be present with your antenna or coax cable and this may be the reason why the transponder system does not meet the standard. Can I fly my aircraft if the system fails the test? If your transponder system fails the test, you must not fly your aircraft as you have installed equipment that does not comply with an Airworthiness Directive. How much does it cost to test the system? PK Aviation offers flat rate testing to the required standard. This test takes about 1/2Hr on most aircraft and currently costs $180.00 + GST. (Members of the PK Aviation Wire Pullers Club receive discounts) The system will either meet the test parameters or not. A successful test results in certification and then you are on your way. Please note that the flat rate test fee is payable regardless of the outcome. WOW......$180 for 1/2 an hour of work!!!!! How can you charge that amount???? The cost of a LAME at PK Aviation is $90/hr, unless you are a member of the PK Aviation Wire Pullers Club and therfore 1/2 Hr is $45. The other $135 covers the cost of the test equipment. The Aeroflex IFR6000 costs around $25,000.00 to purchase and has an annual operating cost of around $2500.00 per year to calibrate and insure. This cost is based upon estimated annual usage of the equipment. Hopefully with more people utilising the equipment we can re-evaluate and reduce the cost. How much does it cost to fix any faults? A failed test will be discussed with you. If the transponder itself is faulty, it will need to be removed from your aircraft and repaired on the bench. Depending on the age of the unit, it may be more cost effective to upgrade to a newer digital unit. If the coax cable or antenna is the cause of the fault, rectifications are charged at the normal shop rate. Please note that the flat rate test fee is payable regardless of the outcome and rectifications are additional to the test fee. NOTE: You may have noticed information and notices about the improvements and upgrades of the radar systems at major airports and how this new equipment is less tollerant to tired transponder equipment. Information release by CASA on this subject can be found by viewing AWB/34/013. Older transponder are not as accurate as the newer digital equipment and PK Aviation has ensured that we have the correct equipment to ensure your equipment meets the required standard.
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AD/RAD/43 (Amendment 6) APPLICABILITY - This AD is applicable to any transponder system fitted to an aircraft that operates under IFR rules in controlled airspace and has an active automatic altitude reporting facility (Mode C). REQUIREMENTS 1. You, as the aircraft owner, are required to have your altimeter that is used for the primary control of aircraft altitude tested to a published standard. This test can only be performed with the Altimeter removed from the aircraft. 2. You, as the aircraft owner, are required to have your transponder altitude reporting function compared to the altimeter that is used for the primary control of aircraft altitude. COMPLIANCE Requirement 1 - The AD requires that most aircraft systems be tested every 24 Months. Requirement 2 - The AD requires that most aircraft systems be tested every 24 Months and upon anytime a change or modification of the system component or wiring is made. FAQ ABOUT THIS AD What is the difference between AD/RAD/47 and AD/RAD/43? Modern transponders have multiple functions. They can be broken into 4 basic areas. The first is the basic transmission and reception to allow communication with Air Traffic Control. Second is the MODE A function which basically equates to the 4 digit code you dial in when directed by ATC or 1200 when flying VFR. The third is the MODE C function which provides altitude reporting information to ATC. The fourth is MODE S which is typically utilised by larger aircraft above 5700KGs. AD/RAD/43 tests the MODE C altitude reporting function of the system when compared to the primary altitude instrument. How does a transponder report altitude? Transponders are not capable of reading altitude but have the facility to receive information from other components which monitor the altitude of your aircraft. Typically there are 3 components that monitor and report the aircraft's altitude information to the transponder, a process called "Encoding". These components are an Altitude Encoding Altimeter, which is easilly differentiated to a normal altimeter by the word "ENCODING" writen on the face of the altimeter, a "Blind Encoder" which is a component that you will most likely never see as it is normally installed behind the dash, giving meaning to the name, or an Air Data Computer (ADC) which is normally used in larger aircraft. The encoder and transponder communicate by one of two methods. These 2 methods are either a digital 2 wire reporting system referred to as RS232 or a 9 wire system referred to as "Grey Scale". Why does the altitude reporting need to be checked? ATC seperate aircraft based upon many different parameters and one of these is confirmed by the altitude your transponder reports. If you are requested to fly at 3000ft, then the controller expects to see your "blip" reading 3000ft. Providing you are flying the assigned altitude everythings works smooth. If you are flying 3000ft and your transponder is reporting a different altitude, everyones work load increases as the controller needs to be sure you are at the correct altitude. Another important reason is not even associated with Air Traffic Control. Commuter aircraft are fitted with a system called TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and this system works on your transponders' communication and altitude information. Again, if you arranged verbal separation with the commuter and there is an error, the TCAS can give very assertive warnings of an impending collision to the commuter crew, which could result in abrupt maneuvering which can cause many problems. What happens if the system fails the test? If your altitude reporting system fails the test, the faulty component of the system needs to be either repaired or replaced. The encoder itself may be OK. A fault may be present with wiring between the encoder and the transponder and this may be why the altitude reporting system does not meet the standard. Can I fly my aircraft if the system fails the test? If your altitude reporting system fails the test, you must not fly your aircraft as you have installed equipment that does not comply with an Airworthiness Directive. How much does it cost to test the system? PK Aviation offers flat rate testing to the required standard. The test of the altimeter as detailed in Requirement 1 is to be performed out of the aircraft. A number of options are available to meet this requirement including an exchange of the due altimeter with a previously certified altimeter or removal, testing and re-installation of your altimeter. If the altimeter does not require any parts or further maintenance the cost of the test is between $170.00 to $240.00 + removal and re-installation of the Altimeter + GST. (Members of the PK Aviation Wire Pullers Club receive discounts) The test for Requirement 2 takes about 2 Hrs on most aircraft and currently costs $375.00 + GST. The system will either meet the test parameters or not. A successful test results in certification and then you are on your way. Please note that the flat rate test fee is payable regardless of the outcome. BONUS: When performing an AD/RAD/43, you will receive a FREE AD/RAD/47. WOW......How come these tests cost so much???? The cost of a LAME at PK Aviation is $90/hr, unless you are a member of the PK Aviation Wire Pullers Club and therfore 2 Hrs is $180. $135 covers the cost of the test equipment to read the Transponder output. The Aeroflex IFR6000 costs around $25,000.00 to purchase and has an annual operating cost of around $2500.00 per year to calibrate and insure. $60 covers the cost of the equipment to manipulate your Pitot/Static system. The new Preston Products PS-525 digital P/S Tester costs around $9000 to purchase and has an annual operating cost of approximately $ 900.00 per year to calibrate and insure. These costs are based upon estimated annual usage of the equipment. Hopefully with more people utilising the equipment we can re-evaluate and reduce the cost. How much does it cost to fix any faults? A failed test will be discussed with you. If the encoder itself is out of tolerance or faulty, it will need to be either adjusted or removed from your aircraft and repaired on the bench. All rectifications are charged at the normal shop rate. Please note that the flat rate test fee is payable regardless of the outcome and rectifications are additional to the test fee.
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INSTRUMENTS |